PlayUK is supporting emerging videogame creatives from across the Western Balkans to advance their career in the industry. As part of PlayUK 20/21, we are pleased to announce the launch of a brand-new mentorship programme taking place in 2021.

Starting in January, the 3-month programme will pair 10 emerging videogame creatives with specially selected expert industry mentors from across the UK. Across 8 hours of one-to-one mentoring sessions, programme participants will be supported to identify their goals, ambitions, development needs and explore ways of achieving them. The programme will also feature a playful online networking event and the opportunity for participants to showcase their work to audiences from across the world. 

Applications are also open and up to three spaces will be awarded to candidates from the Wider Europe region (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan), in addition to candidates from the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia).

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

Applications are welcome from those working in games from across a variety of disciplines including design, programming, narrative, production and art, writing and community development. We are looking for individuals just starting out in games, those early in their careers, or those who are seeking support to identify and work towards new goals. Please note that you need to have an appropriate level of English to participate, as that will be the working language of the programme.

PROGRAMME MENTORS

Our cohort of programme mentors represent a wide range of expertise and specialisms including narrative design, production, game design, business development, curation and programming. Their collective experience includes a multitude of critically acclaimed videogames released across mobile, PC and console, multiple BAFTAs and industry awards, collaborations with world-leading cultural institutions, and leading roles within major videogame companies. 

Ed Fear
Lead Creative (Mediatonic Games)

Jennifer Schneidereit
Game Creator & Co-Founder (Nyamyam Games)

Jodie Azhar
CEO & Game Director (Teazelcat Games), Technical Art Director (Silver Rain Games). 

Katherine Bidwell
Co-founder and Producer (State of Play)

Mike Anderson
Producer (ustwo games)

Moo Yu
Co-founder and programmer (Foam Sword).

Olivia Wood
Narrative Designer & Editor (Failbetter Games)

Ricky Haggett
Co-founder and Game designer (Hollow Ponds)

Tom Vian
Co-founder, Programmer & Designer (SFB Games)

HOW TO APPLY

The deadline for applications is 17.00 CET on Thursday, 10 December.  You can find the application form here. If you are unable to complete a text form then we are accepting audio and video submissions at jovana.bjelakovic@britishcouncil.org. If you have any complications with the application process then please contact jovana.bjelakovic@britishcouncil.org.

KEY PROGRAMME DATES

Applications open on 25 November and close on 10 December at 17.00 CET. We hope to get back to all applicants with a decision by 21 December. The mentorship programme will commence on Thursday, 13 January with 1hr sessions taking place each week through to 18 March. On 25 March a virtual showcase event will take place, during which mentees will have a chance to showcase their work to audiences online. 

If you have any questions about the programme or application process then please get in touch with jovana.bjelakovic@britishcouncil.org.
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